I recently bought the DJI Mini 3 Pro, my first drone, and opted for the Fly More Plus package to extend battery flight time. I didn’t realize that the Plus batteries push the weight over 249 grams.
What does this mean for me now? Do I need to register my drone? Does this mean I can’t fly it anymore? I’ve tried researching but haven’t found clear answers.
Should I switch out the Plus batteries for the regular ones, or am I fine as is?
In the USA, you can fly drones over 249 grams without needing a Part 107 license, but you do need to register it with the FAA. This costs $5 and takes about 10 minutes. You simply provide your information to the FAA, and they give you a number that you need to place on your drone (most people use a label maker) for identification in case there are any issues.
However, if you cause trouble with your drone and it’s recovered, authorities can trace the serial number back to you even without the FAA registration number, so it’s not a huge deal in my opinion.
It is $5 which includes all your drones.
Thanks for the correction.
I’m not encouraging anyone to break the law. However, if someone is flying a drone that weighs 270 grams with a large battery but has “Ultralight 249g” marked on it, they are unlikely to be questioned about the extra weight.
I fly an Air 2, which I registered with the FAA. It was a simple process, and I actually like having the ID-number stickers that come with it.
On the Mini 3, I believe the weight is printed on the battery. If you’re not using the lighter battery, the drone won’t have any weight markings.
As others have mentioned, you just need to pay $5 to register yourself with the FAA and add your drone to your inventory. As a non-commercial pilot, you’ll receive an ID number that you need to place on any drone you own that weighs over 249 grams.
It’s also a good idea to get familiar with the rules for non-commercial pilots, no matter the drone’s weight. There’s a free test available that gives you a trust code, which is one of the things you need to provide to authorities if you’re flying your drone.
As others have mentioned, you need to register with the FAA, display your registration number on the drone, and take the TRUST test. It’s also a good idea to carry a copy of your TRUST certificate and FAA registration when you fly. The TRUST test is required even if your drone is under 250 grams and isn’t registered.
Additionally, if you fly at night and add a strobe to your drone, it will likely exceed 250 grams, so you will need to register for that as well. The Mini 3 broadcasts remote ID, so you should be covered in all scenarios. I don’t understand why anyone in the USA wouldn’t complete the registration, it’s quick and inexpensive.
As someone who flies a Mini 2, I find the information out there to be extremely confusing, so thanks to the OP for asking this question.
The FAA’s documentation is unfortunately quite broad and lacks specific context, covering a range from drones under 250 grams to those up to 25 kg (55 lbs)—a huge span.
I’ve found this page helpful: FAA User Identification Tool.
From what I’ve gathered from this thread and my own reading:
So, if your drone is 249 grams, you need the TRUST test, but registration and RemoteID compliance are not required.
Fly it and stop worrying so much, will make you old. No one will care except a few anal retintives, and hopefully you pay 0 mind to them. Have you ever exceeded the speed limit? Did you feel bad afterwards?
Fact. Those are the same people who monitor and report unlicensed Ham radios.
Different story, IMHO. People have been rightfully busted for interfering with all kinds of services, including emergency services, by transmitting on random frequencies.